Though some believe Christmas is embodied by a jolly man in a red and white suit, others steer toward more religious roots.
Jesus Christ is celebrated as the reason for the season for many Christians–but is that his actual name? Due to the numerous translations, the Bible has undergone, "Jesus" is the modern term for the Son of God.
His original Hebrew name is Yeshua, which is short for yehōshu'a. It can be translated to 'Joshua,' according to Dr. Michael L. Brown.
Though his name may actually be Joshua, the name "Jesus" wasn't born out of creativity but also translation. When Yeshua is translated into Greek, which the New Testament is derived from, it becomes Iēsous, which in English spelling is "Jesus."
While some religious groups, like Messianic Jews, believe in worshipping Yeshua instead of Jesus, there doesn't seem to be a complete right or wrong way to do it. It is said in the Bible that anyone who calls on the Lord is saved.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." – Romans 10:13
Overall, the difference in names is due to translation. While a religious group may prefer one of the other, the Bible doesn't explicitly deem one translation more respectful.
Whether identified as Jesus or Yeshua, the story of his birth remains consistent.
Born in Bethlehem of a virgin and laid in a manager, Jesus's birth has been celebrated by Christians for centuries. December 25 is not be the actual day of Jesus's birth but was deemed a day for Christians to convert nonbelievers, William Walsh, in his 1970 book, The Story of Santa Claus.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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